By Andrew Flamang, DFER New England Director
Voters sent all four at-large incumbents back to Boston city council on November 8th – along with every district incumbent they could – and there’s already plenty on the agenda. With a new term about to begin and so many pressing issues to consider, it’s critical that the council not let one fall through the cracks: education. Strong leadership in the council can dramatically impact Boston’s schools.
In recent years, the council has used its bully pulpit to considerable effect. Mayor Menino was right when he said in a recent Boston Globe story that, “this is not a council that just rubber-stamps everything.” Councilors have proven their mettle in opposing the closure of libraries and agitating to raise Boston’s dropout age. And the council’s hearing on the BTU contract gave voice to the public’s concerns about everything from the length of the school day to teachers’ workplace conditions.
Although the body’s bully pulpit also empowers councilors to stymie innovation, they have seldom chosen to do so in recent years. For the council’s new term, that is not enough.
In past years, the council made important contributions toward improving Boston’s public education system. Today, our schools are grappling with issues where the bully pulpit can be particularly effective. As the new term begins, the council now has two monumental opportunities to support robust reforms on busing and the union contract.